University Spotlight: University of Waterloo
Thinking about going to college in Canada? The University of Waterloo, located in Ontario, just an hour from Toronto, offers a globally recognized education, a strong focus on experiential learning, and some of the best engineering and co-op programs in the world. Whether you’re into the humanities or hands-on lab work, this could be the right place for you.
📍 Location & Campus Life
Waterloo is a mid-sized city that offers the safety and charm of a smaller town with easy access to big cities. It’s:
1 hour from Toronto
6 hours from Seattle by plane
Close to U.S. East Coast cities like New York and Boston
This makes it an ideal spot for American students looking for a mix of global exposure and campus community.
🎓 Academic Excellence
With over 100 programs across six faculties—Arts, Business, Engineering, Environment, Health, Math, and Science, Waterloo offers something for everyone. Some highlights:
Faculty of Arts: Ranges from humanities to social sciences with 75+ study abroad partnerships
Faculty of Engineering: The largest engineering school in Canada and ranked among the top 40 engineering schools globally
Faculty of Health: Unique hands-on learning like studying human cadavers and medical procedures like hip replacements
Most programs offer direct entry, so you begin your major right away instead of waiting until your second year.
💼 Co-op & Experiential Learning
Waterloo is famous for its co-op education model, giving students real work experience while they study.
Students can earn between $9,600–$22,500 CAD per year during their co-op placements. These paid experiences make graduates stand out in the job market.
📥 Applying to Waterloo
Waterloo applications are not on the Common App. Instead, students apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC):
Some programs (especially Engineering and Math) require an Admissions Information Form (AIF) with short-answer questions about your interests and experiences.
✅ Admissions Requirements
Waterloo is test-optional. They do not require SAT or ACT. But they do have rigorous academic standards:
Grade 12 average: 85–90%, depending on program
English 12: Required for all programs (75–80% minimum)
Other prerequisites: Vary by program and may include AP-level or senior-level courses
💰 Cost & Financial Aid
International Students:
Tuition: $50,000–$73,000 CAD/year
Living Expenses: $19,996–$25,019 CAD/year
Total: $69,996–$98,019 CAD/year
Scholarships & Support:
Entrance scholarships: $1,000–$40,000 CAD
Co-op earnings can offset costs significantly
📑 Study Permit (for International Students)
Once you receive your offer of admission, you’ll need to:
Pay a $2,500 CAD tuition deposit
Receive a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Apply for your Canadian Study Permit
🎯 Final Thoughts
If you're a high-achieving student looking for an internationally respected degree, cutting-edge programs, and real-world experience before you graduate—the University of Waterloo is worth exploring.
